You present a very one sided argument.
You did not show any promise that Ned made. You even acknowledge that it was stated as a plan not a promise and plans change as circumstances change.

I have also seen mentioned that other parties were also involved in the ninja mine. I am lead to understand that the Stake mined is being and has been used for voting witnesses which has created a centralized authority. Why do make no mention of this? It has clearly be detrimental to the growth of Steem and Steemit and its users.

I get that it is fashionable right now to shit on Ned and blame him for everything but the reality is he had another Ninja mined stake running interference and dishing out abuse every step of the way.